Kite Parade
About
We are a team of professionals from the creative sphere, each with decades of experience in our respective fields. We have worked with leading innovative companies in Canada, the US, Europe and around the world. We are specialized in live entertainment; TV, film and new media; print and digital publishing; communications and business management; as well as in the field of cutting edge transformational leadership practices. We are committed to sharing our expertise in creative leadership, and our ongoing exploration of the expansive impact of new digital technologies.
Our clients are future-oriented companies, creative entrepreneurs, cultural organizations and visionary leaders from all fields. They are courageous and committed to engaging the full creative capabilities of their teams, and to supporting the realization of their teams’ most brilliant and daring ideas.
Core Program
Our core program is made up two workshops:
Accessing and Actualizing.
The Accessing
workshop
The Accessing workshop examines the connection between creativity, curiosity, imagination and play. Starting with childhood, we look back on the natural direction of our curiosity, our individual approach to exploration and our preferred learning style. We use these identifiers to map the most effective entry points to our creativity as adults, and then translate that into new practices that can be easily incorporated into the daily routines of our present professional environments. We reference the work of Stuart Brown on Play Personalities, and the concept of our genius zone as outlined in the book The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. Through real play, using adapted clown and theatre improvisation exercises, we experience the flow of creativity communication that happens naturally between our imagination, our intuition and our bodies. Lastly, we explore the role of technology as an ally in creativity.
The Actualization
workshop
The Actualization workshop addresses both challenges and fulfillment in realizing our creative ideas in the world. We start with key active principles that guide the balance between creative agility and endurance, and the need to maintain reliable accountability and tracking systems. We outline the most common fears and show how to transform them into creative fuel. And we share our best practices for sustainable team management that generates momentum, collaboration and enchantment.
The Core Program can be given over four full days, or divided into 8 half-days.
Advanced Program
The Advanced Program is a customized program, designed to elevate the overall level of creative thinking and ingenuity within a given project and/or within a team. It can serve as a general amplification, or for when you have a new wave of expansion, or a big new project, and sense that you don’t have all the know-how and creative structures in place to realize it fully and with ease. It can also apply when exploring innovation objectives that reach beyond your wildest dreams.
We start with an in-depth in-take and analysis process done in collaboration with your team, and then create a series of punctual workshops and in-house practices and tools, designed to introduce, strengthen and integrate the skills your team most needs to meet and actualize the new challenge successfully and sustainably.
Consulting
We consult on all aspects of the theme of elevating creativity, as it applies to people, ideas, teams, projects, whole companies and whole industries. Consulting is about taking the time it takes, and the exact amount of attention and expertise, to achieve a highly specific goal.
Based on our backgrounds we have consulted for companies and organizations in media and storytelling, publishing, consumer goods, wellness, science and technology, and arts and cultural institutions.
Lab
Our lab is where young creators can bring their big design ideas. The focus is on the development of innovative interactive tools and experiences that elevate creative ingenuity in individuals and in teams, and that enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration.
We curate the teams and support them with resources, mentorship and access to our network of potential partners.
Clients
Cirque du Soleil
Client
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is the largest theatrical production company in the world. On top of producing world-renowned live shows, the organization has extended its creative reach into multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. The Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 180 million spectators with productions presented in 450 cities in 60 countries.
Objective
To create a successful, scripted, live action television series for kids (ages 5-14) for an international audience inspired by the circus arts and the universe of Cirque du Soleil.
Action
We consulted on the content development of the series: advising on adapting the circus arts to live action television, and on translating the Cirque du Soleil storytelling style to the narrative structures and dramatic requirements of theatrical, scripted youth programming.
Outcome
‘Big Top Academy’ was a really fun, challenging and original project. The first episode aired on October 15, 2018, and the show has been a great success with audiences in Canada, the USA and across Latin America.
San Pellegrino
Client
San Pellegrino is a one of the world’s leading sparkling mineral waters, sourced from a spring in Northern Italy. The brand’s enduring success is deeply rooted in its extraordinary heritage, symbolic value and iconic identity, all expressions of its unique Italian spirit. Founded in 1899, S.Pellegrino has been a premium brand synonymous with style for more than a century.
Objective
We were brought in by Luca Molinari Studios, who have been working with San Pellegrino on a very important innovation project. (The project is confidential). We were hired for our expertise and experience in creative leadership of innovative, interactive experience design.
Action
We facilitated an interactive workshop on The Unprecedented Value of Immersive and Interactive Brand Experiences to the top stakeholders in the project.
Outcome
The group gained new insight into the unprecedented potential for positive impact that can be realized through immersive and interactive brand experiences; and of how this could play out with their brand within the context of this new project.
Suzy Batiz
Client
Suzy Batiz is a serial creator and expert in entrepreneurial intuition who has built an empire by tackling taboo topics and shaping culture by challenging societal norms. She is best known as the inventor, founder and CEO of Poo-Pourri, the cult-favourite, and as the genius behind Supernatural, a new line of game-changing, natural household cleaning products. Today, Suzy teaches other entrepreneurs the feminine approach to business—how to tune into intuition, turn on your body intelligence and dive into creative energy to achieve a naturally abundant flow state.
Objective
In 2017, Suzy Batiz decided to share her radically innovative approach to life, entrepreneurship and business success through her personal brand. Her goal is to empower people around the world by showing them the key to transforming their potential into reality.
Action
We have been consulting with Suzy and her team since October 2017 on the development, expression and identity of her personal brand across multiple platforms. Our services include: Content Development, Branding, Website Design, Producing Photoshoots, Writing Copy for Social Media. Advising on Podcast Guests and Speaking Engagements; Book Outline & Program Development; as well as Executive Coaching.
Outcome
The first phase of Suzy Batiz’s brand successfully launched in November 2018 with her website and speaking tour. Phase 2 launched in 2019 – 2020 with the arrival of her online course ALIVE OS™ as well as profiles of Suzy in The Newyorker, Forbes and People magazine.
Testimonial
‘Your team has graciously and firmly led me into the fullest expression of my genius.’
– Suzy Batiz
Poopourri
Client
Poopourri is an innovative and award-winning consumer products success story, dubbed the ‘World’s Best Before-You-Go Toilet Spray’.
Context/Objective/Actions
We’ve been working with Poopourri for 5 years. This has taken the form of everything from a custom two-day workshop around the potential of a new campaign idea, to consulting on the dynamics within several teams, as well as the overall structure of the company’s creative division. We have also provided custom coaching for the owner/founder and for individual team leaders and their staff.
Outcome
We’ve worked with the company successfully through a variety of creative and business opportunities and challenges. We have become highly attuned to their culture, which is agile, playful and unconventional. They are comfortable with risk and generally choose the most daring creative option, which is right up our alley.
Most recently we were assigned to their new campaign Girls Do Poop and to the launch of their new company ‘SUPERNATURAL’.
Luca Molinari Studio
Collaborator
Luca Molinari Studio tailors and supplies integrated services of content design, consulting, process and project management within the fields of architecture and project’s culture. Their projects include: exhibitions and events; architecture and town planning competitions; books and publications.
Context
We began collaborating with Luca Molinari Studios in 2018. By bringing together our expertise in immersive, interactive experience design and in coaching visionary leadership, with their extensive background in architecture research, curatorship and education, we can now offer our clients an integrated approach to large scale innovative design projects.
Sarah Selecky Writing School
Client
Sarah Selecky Writing School is an online creative writing school that approaches writing as an art, and also as a contemplative practice. The school holds that skill comes from study, inspiration comes from love, and that both are necessary.
Objective
The school has been successful for many years, achieving their original goals and purpose. Sarah Selecky (founder) and her team were ready to review, renew and update the overall vision for the school. They wanted to explore the potential for development of new programs, and to expand their clientele to include a broader demographic.
Action
We worked individually with Sarah Selecky for three months. Following that, we facilitated a one-day workshop for the executive team.
Outcome
The team came out of the workshop with clear actionable insights and a renewed sense of direction and inspiration for the next chapter in the school’s evolution.
Testimonial
‘You helped us to see not just where the school wanted to go (externally) but more importantly, you reminded us how we want to feel (internally). And why.’
– Sarah Selecky
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Client
APO is an innovative, mid-sized orchestra based in Auckland, New Zealand with a diverse and dedicated audience base.
Objective
They are exploring how to serve their existing audience and to also reach new audiences, by creating innovative digital, interactive and new media offerings that both celebrate their brand and respect their budget.
Action
The director approached us to join their ideation and innovation process, and to consult on unique strategies for distribution and potential partnerships.
Outcome
This project is ongoing.
Montreal Neurological Institute
Client
The communication department of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital; The Neuro, is a world-leading destination for brain research and advanced patient care. It is the largest specialized neuroscience research and clinical centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.
Objective
The communications team had the idea to launch a series of short videos on the theme of ‘Women in Science’. The goal was to celebrate women who have made an exceptional contribution in the sciences, and to encourage and inspire young women to choose a career in the sciences. The aim from a communications perspective was to achieve greater visibility for the Neuro Institute, and to start conversations on social media that would convert to coverage in other forms of media.
Action
We consulted on the overall approach and style of the project, and on specific storytelling aspects of the series. We assisted the team in amplifying their creativity throughout the ideation process, and in choosing a unique approach and voice in their storytelling.
Outcome
The year-long video series premiered on March8th, 2018 (International Women’s Day) to an overwhelmingly positive response. Reach through social media and traditional media outlets has surpassed their expectations. The project won a CASE District 1 award for Digital Communications, and a McGill University Principal’s Award.
Daily Tous Les Jours
The Client
Daily Tous Les Jours is a Montreal-based design studio uses technology, digital arts, performance, place-making and storytelling to explore collaboration, the future of cities and the power of humans. Daily is best known for its work in public spaces, where passing crowds are invited to play a critical role in the transformation of their environment. Some of Daily’s best known projects include 21 Balançoires, Musical Shadows, Hello Trees, McLarena and most recently, the meditative experience of I Heard There Was a Secret Chord, presented at the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montreal as part of the Leonard Cohen exhibition called A Crack in Everything.
Daily’s work has won numerous international awards including Best in Show at the IxDA Interaction Awards, the Grand Prize at the UNESCO Shenzhen Design Awards, a Knight Cities Challenge for Civic Innovation, a Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, and an Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Award. The studio is also very active in the design and digital arts communities, giving lectures and workshops worldwide, notably at SXSW, EYEO, INST-INT, New Cities Summit, TEDx and Arts Electronica.
The Project
The Food Sessions: An Interactive, Multi-sensorial Public Outdoor Event within the DOT ART Citi Summer Streets Festival 2017 in NYC.
Our Contribution
Our team facilitated a custom creative embodiment workshop for the design team; and consulted on the writing of the choreographic storytelling and interactive prompts.
Outcome
The sessions were sold out and great fun was had by all.
Goalcast - Ice Barrel - Cherry Advertising
Custom Designed Online Keynotes and Workshops
Clients
All three clients are successful and well established businesses in their respective industries.
Objectives
They were all looking for fun and innovative events for their teams and stakeholders to inspire their creativity and expand their creative problem-solving toolkit.
Actions
Kite Parade designed and facilitated a bespoke, participative and interactive online keynotes (45 min) or workshops (4 hours) for each client.
Outcomes
We received positive feedback and appreciation from our clients. In the follow up Q & A’s with participants, they shared that the events had been inspiring and insightful; as well as offering them new skills that they were able to apply immediately in their daily creative practices.
La Factry
Client
La Factry is a School of Creative Sciences founded in 2018, located in Montréal, Canada.
Objective
La Factry’s objective is to offer continuing education programs to professionals, through partnerships with leading professional associations and corporations within Quebec’s creative industries. In it’s first year the school was designing it’s Creative Leadership program and invited Kite Parade to collaborate as a guest teacher and creativity coach.
Action
Kite Parade contributed two workshops to the curriculum: 1.The Flow State in Creative Leadership and 2. Play as an Amplifier of Creativity. The workshops were offered within their 6-day Creative Leadership Course.
Outcome
The Creative Leadership Course is a success and is now run three times a year. Gillian Ferrabee remains associated with the school as a creativity coach and guest teacher.
Havas Montreal
Client
Havas Montreal is a branch of Havas Worldwide Canada an award-winning, fully integrated global advertising company.
Objective
The executive team wanted an keynote presentation with actionable take aways to start off their day-long, company wide, yearly review and future-visioning session. The goal was to uplift the teams; and to inspire new ideas, new directions and new insights that could be applied and explored in the rest of the day’s activities.
Action
Kite Parade gave a bespoke presentation titled: Thriving in a Context of Continuous Change: How to Cultivate a Culture of Innovation that is Open, Agile and Resilient.
Outcome
The participants gave the feedback that they felt inspired, challenged and motivated by the presentation; and ready to move into the day’s activities with a strong focus and sense of responsibility towards achieving the goals of session. The executive team expressed their appreciation that the presentation itself had succeeded in fully engaging the teams – during the keynote and in the Q&A. They shared that there was a high level of participation in the rest of the day, and a high quality of ideas that resulted from the other sessions throughout the day.
Team
Gillian Ferrabee
Founder and President
Gillian grew up immersed in creativity, travel and adventure. Her mother is an industrial designer and a PhD, who later co-founded a successful, arts-based alternative school (FACE). And her father’s work moved the family to Jamaica where they lived for 2 years, surrounded by the ocean, luscious nature and reggae, before returning to wintery Canada.
Gillian began her career at 21 as a professional dancer and actor. For 20 years she toured Europe and North America on stage, as well as performing in TV series, movies and hundreds of commercials.
In 2004, she joined Cirque du Soleil as a casting scout and advisor, travelling the world and providing casting for the company’s 22 unique shows, including the renowned The Beatles LOVE. She was promoted in 2012 to Director of The Creative Lab within Cirque du Soleil Media, where she developed and co-produced projects for the international film, TV and new media (VR/AR) markets. Highlights include the video game Child of Light with Ubisoft, the preschool animated series Luna Petunia for Netflix in partnership with Saban Brands and the Emmy-award winning VR short Inside The Box: Kurios with Felix & Paul Studios.
She is also a certified coach of the Hendricks Institute, and a graduate of their 2-year Transformational Leadership program.
Gillian opened a coaching practice for artists, designers and entrepreneurs starting in 2012; clients include Sarah Selecky, Jeff McErlain, Emilie Baltz, Harris III, Melissa Mongiat and Suzy Batiz, amongst others.
In 2018, Gillian founded, Kite Parade, bringing together her years of experiences in storytelling, creative direction and large-scale production, with her knowledge and expertise in business and transformational leadership. Kite Parade provides bespoke training, consulting and leadership services for bold, beautiful and impactful innovative challenges and projects of all kinds.
Erik Iversen
Director of Embodiment and Play
Erik is a master mover. He has been teaching movement and meditation practices across North America and Europe for over 25 years, to students ranging in ages from 4 – 90 years old. Erik introduces people to the building blocks of healthy movement, in a style that combines playful sportsmanship with creative exploration.
Erik co-founded the original 5Rhythms Teacher’s Training in NYC in 1988, and is presently on the teaching staff of the Certification Program. He is a certified coach from the Hendricks Institute, and a graduate of their two-year Transformational Leadership program. He also maintains a full-time bodywork practice in Hellerwork Structural Integration.
Over three decades, Erik has observed thousands of bodies, including professional dancers, athletes and a wide variety of patients that he treats in his bodywork practice. He has seen the direct connection between our inner state and our body’s outward expression. The more limited we are in our movements, the harder it is to expand our thinking. Conversely, when we expand and develop our movement vocabulary, we increase our cognitive and creative agility. Erik is committed to sharing his knowledge of the body/mind connection and its powerful impact on creative ideation with creative leaders and innovation communities worldwide.
Véronique Bérubé
Director of Operations
As a kid, Véronique was always top in her class. She especially loved the reassuring logic of mathematics, and the grammatical challenges of the French language. All grown up now, she is an organizing and optimizing genius, and a talented copy editor and translator.
In 2003, Véronique joined Cirque du Soleil as an administrative assistant in the office of the VP Production. As part of the production team in creation, she worked alongside some of the best creators and artists in the business. She loved the experience and chose to stay within Cirque, holding various administrative and assistant roles in the company over the next 9 years. In 2012, she joined the team of the new subsidiary, Cirque du Soleil Media, whose mandate was to develop and produce original TV, cinema and new media projects based on the Cirque du Soleil brand.
Véronique joined the ranks of Multicolore in 2016. Known for creating world-renowned festivals such as Piknic Électronik and Igloofest, Multicolore is an international leader in outdoor live entertainment. Véronique became the Office Manager at their headquarters in Montreal, with the objective to normalize and optimize processes and communication throughout the company.
In 2020, Veronique became the Director of Operations at Kite Parade where oversees the administration and production of the company’s activities, as well as our customer relations.
Veronique is dedicated to her personal and professional self-actualization. She speaks French and English fluently. She is also a connoisseur of general awesomeness, and an advocate of the 5-minute dance break.